Sony's PC Push Stumbles: Helldivers 2 & Ghost of Tsushima Blocked in 177 Regions

Sony PlayStation Network

A Rocky Start: Mandatory PSN Linking and Backlash

The initial excitement surrounding these PC releases was quickly dampened by the news that Sony required players to link their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to play. This seemingly innocuous requirement proved problematic for a critical reason: PSN isn’t available in a whopping 177 countries. Gamers in these regions, eager to experience these titles on PC, were abruptly locked out of purchasing them altogether.

The outcry from the gaming community was swift and strong. Not only did the mandatory PSN linking prevent a large segment of the potential player base from accessing the games, but it also raised concerns about data privacy and regional restrictions. Additionally, for those who pre-purchased Helldivers 2 during a limited-time window before the PSN linking requirement was announced, the potential to lose access to the game they already paid for added fuel to the fire.

A U-Turn on Linking, But Still a Roadblock

Fortunately, Sony listened to the community’s feedback. In a move applauded by many, they made PSN account linking optional for both Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima. This seemingly resolved the initial hurdle, allowing players to enjoy the games without needing a PSN account.

However, the saga took another unexpected turn. In a recent update, Sony implemented a new restriction – blocking the sales of both Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima on Steam in all the same 177 countries where PSN isn’t available. This decision effectively locked out players in those regions once again, even though they wouldn’t have needed a PSN account to play.

Confusion Reigns: A Missed Opportunity?

The current situation leaves many gamers scratching their heads. While the reversal on mandatory PSN linking was a positive step, the new sales restriction creates a sense of inconsistency and missed opportunity. Here are some key questions the community is asking:

• Why restrict sales entirely, instead of simply displaying a disclaimer about online features requiring a PSN account? This approach would allow players in restricted regions to access the single-player campaign of Ghost of Tsushima, for example.
• Is there a long-term plan for PSN expansion? Making PSN more accessible in these regions could unlock a vast new market for Sony’s PC ports.
• What about future PC releases? Will similar restrictions apply to other Sony titles brought to PC?

The Road Ahead: Transparency and Regional Accessibility

The situation surrounding Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima on Steam highlights the importance of clear communication and regional accessibility in the PC gaming landscape. Here’s what gamers can hope for moving forward:

• Clear and Transparent Communication: Sony can regain trust by openly addressing the situation and explaining the rationale behind the sales restrictions.
• Regional Accessibility Efforts: Exploring ways to make PSN more accessible in a wider range of countries would benefit both Sony and gamers globally.
• A Commitment to Openness: By embracing a more open approach to PC releases, Sony can ensure their games reach a wider audience and foster a more positive relationship with the PC gaming community.

The story of Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima is still unfolding. Whether Sony finds a way to address these concerns and make their PC ports more accessible in all regions remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: clear communication and a commitment to regional inclusivity will be key to fostering a thriving PC gaming ecosystem for Sony.